Orthopedic support garment

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to the field of orthopedics, in particular, to an orthopedic support garment. The orthopedic garment includes a garment body made of stretchable fabric and configured to be worn in a form-fitting manner on the upper body of a wearer. The garment body has a front body portion, a rear body portion joined to the front body portion, and right and left sleeve portions attached to the front and rear body portions. Also provided is at least one tensor band laid out along one of the front and rear body portions in a manner intended to substantially correspond to at least one of the fascial lines extending along the upper body of the wearer. When the garment is worn by the wearer, the at least one tensor band may be placed in tension so as to provide proprioceptive feedback to the wearer during movement.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of orthopedics, inparticular, to an orthopedic support garment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Proper technique and coordinated muscle activation is critical forathletes seeking to perform biomechanical correct movements in sports.Athletes are constantly working on improving their proprioception—thesense of the relative position of neighbouring parts of the body andstrength of effort being employed in movement—to master sport-specificmovements. While there is no substitute for proper conditioning andtraining, certain aids have been developed to assist athletes with theenhancement of proprioception.

In some cases, such aids have come in the form of a garment to be wornby the athlete during the performance of certain movements. In its mostbasic form, such a garment may be made of a stretchable or elasticfabric and is intended to be worn tightly on the body in a form-fittingmanner (in some cases, this garment is fashioned as compressiongarment). Because of the resistance encountered by the wearer as aresult of the stretch in the fabric, the wearer tends to become moreaware of the relative position of his limbs. While this type of garmentcan enhance proprioception, it tends not to be anatomically focused andthus tends not to perform a genuine orthopedic function.

United States Patent Application Publication No. US 2009/0062704 ofBrown et al. provides an example of a garment designed specifically forproprioceptively treating a wearer. The garment is preferably configuredlike a short-sleeved undershirt or T-shirt and may be fabricated of astretchable material to achieve the desired form-fitting fit. Thegarment includes an anterior portion and a posterior portion joined tothe anterior portion. Each of the anterior portion and the posteriorportion are fabricated of a thin, elastomeric material. The materialused is form-fitting to allow pressure to be applied to the surface ofthe wearer's skin to enhance neuromuscular stimulation. Integrated withthe posterior garment portion, is a proprioceptive panel. This panel ispositioned to extend over the upper back or inter scapular region of thewearer. In one embodiment, the proprioceptive panel is positioned toextend along substantially an entire length of the spine of the wearer.In still another embodiment, the proprioceptive panel is generallytriangular in shape, and is positioned to extend downwardly from theshoulders of the wearer toward an apex positioned to be disposed atapproximately the small of the wearer's back. The proprioceptive panelmay be fabricated of the same elastomeric material as the posteriorportion or may be made of a heavier, more dense elastomeric materialthan that used for the posterior portion.

The garment described in United States Patent Application PublicationNo. US 2009/0062704 of Brown et al. appears to be specificallyconfigured to enhance proprioception in the wearer for the purposes ofimproving or enhancing posture. To this end, it uses strategicallyplaced proprioceptive panels that primarily target muscles and otheranatomical structures of the wearer's back. While this garment may beeffective at providing some back support and may assist in theimprovement of the wearer's posture, it tends to be too narrowly focusedon the muscles of the back to be a useful aid to athletes performingcomplex movements which recruit other muscle groups of the upper body.

Accordingly, there is a genuine need for a garment which is capable ofproviding enhanced anatomically appropriate proprioceptive (andkinesthetic) feedback to the wearer for various muscle groups of theupper body, including those of the chest, back, shoulders and arms.Advantageously, such a garment could help athletes perfect theirtechnique or form in performing complex sport-specific movements whichrecruit multiple muscle groups of the upper body. A garment of thisnature would tend to be a very versatile aid to athletes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a broad aspect of an embodiment of the present invention,there is provided an orthopedic support garment. The orthopedic garmentincludes a garment body made of stretchable fabric and configured to beworn in a form-fitting manner on the upper body of a wearer. The garmentbody has a front body portion, a rear body portion joined to the frontbody portion, and right and left sleeve portions attached to the frontand rear body portions. Also provided is at least one tensor band laidout along one of the front and rear body portions in a manner intendedto substantially correspond to at least one of the fascial linesextending along the upper body of the wearer. When the garment is wornby the wearer, the at least one tensor band may be placed in tension soas to provide proprioceptive (and kinesthetic) feedback to the wearerduring movement.

In another feature, the at least one tensor band includes a first tensorband and a second tensor band. The first and second tensor bands aredisposed in a crosswise fashion along the front body portion in a mannerintended to substantially correspond to the front functional lineextending along the upper body of the wearer.

In a further feature, the garment body further includes a waistbandattached along the lower margins of the front and rear body portions.The first tensor band extends between the waistband and the juncture ofthe right sleeve and front body portions. The second tensor band extendsbetween the waistband and the juncture of the left sleeve and front bodyportions.

In an additional feature, the first and second tensor bands are madefrom a plurality of fabric panels. Alternatively, the first and secondtensor bands are made from a single fabric panel.

In yet another feature, the at least one tensor band includes a thirdtensor band. The third tensor band is disposed vertically along thefront body portion at a location intended to substantially correspond tothe superficial front line extending along the upper body of the wearer.

In still another feature, the at least one tensor band is disposeddiagonally across the front body portion in a manner intended tosubstantially correspond to one of the fascial lines that make up thefront functional line which extends along the upper body of the wearer.In one feature, the garment body further includes a waistband attachedalong the lower margins of the front and rear body portions. The atleast one tensor band extends between the waistband and the juncture ofthe right sleeve and front body portions. In an alternate feature, theat least one tensor band extends between the waistband and the junctureof the left sleeve and front body portions.

In an additional feature, the at least one tensor band includes a firsttensor band and a second tensor band. The first and second tensor bandsare disposed in a crosswise fashion along the rear body portion in amanner intended to substantially correspond to the back functional lineextending along the upper body of the wearer. The garment body furtherincludes a waistband attached along the lower margins of the front andrear body portions. The first tensor band extends between the waistbandand the juncture of the right sleeve and rear body portions. The secondtensor band extends between the waistband and the juncture of the leftsleeve and rear body portions.

In one feature, the first and second tensor bands are made from aplurality of fabric panels. In an alternate feature, the first andsecond tensor bands are made from a single fabric panel.

In still another feature, the at least one tensor band includes a thirdtensor band. The third tensor band is disposed vertically along the rearbody portion at a location intended to substantially correspond to thesuperficial back line extending along the upper body of the wearer.

In yet another feature, the at least one tensor band is disposeddiagonally across the rear body portion in a manner intended tosubstantially correspond to one of the fascial lines that make up therear functional line which extends along the upper body of the wearer.

In a further feature, the garment body further includes a waistbandattached along the lower margins of the front and rear body portions.The at least one tensor band extends between the waistband and thejuncture of the right sleeve and rear body portions. In an alternatefeature, the at least one tensor band extends between the waistband andthe juncture of the left sleeve and rear body portions.

In another feature, the at least one tensor band includes first andsecond, third and fourth tensor bands. The first and second tensor bandsare disposed in a crosswise fashion along the front body portion in amanner intended to substantially correspond to the front functional lineextending along the upper body of the wearer. The third and fourthtensor bands are disposed in a crosswise fashion along the rear bodyportion in a manner intended to substantially correspond to the backfunctional line extending along the upper body of the wearer.Additionally, the orthopedic garment comprises fifth and sixth tensorbands. The fifth tensor band is laid out along the right sleeve portionin a manner intended to correspond to one of the fascial arm linesextending along the wearer's right arm. The sixth tensor band is laidout along the left sleeve portion in a manner intended to correspond toone of the fascial arm lines extending along the wearer's left arm.

In a further feature, the one fascial arm line extending along thewearer's right arm is selected from the group consisting of: (a) thesuperficial front arm line; (b) the deep front arm line; (c) thesuperficial rear arm line; and (d) the deep rear arm line. The onefascial arm line extending along the wearer's left arm is selected fromthe group consisting of: (a) the superficial front arm line; (b) thedeep front arm line; (c) the superficial rear arm line; and (d) the deeprear arm line.

In still another feature, the orthopedic garment comprises fifth andsixth tensor bands. The fifth tensor band is laid out along the rightsleeve portion in a manner intended to correspond to the superficialfront arm line extending along the wearer's right arm. The sixth tensorband is laid out along the left sleeve portion in a manner intended tocorrespond to the superficial front arm line extending along thewearer's left arm.

In a different feature, the orthopedic garment of claim 18 furthercomprises fifth and sixth tensor bands. The fifth tensor band is laidout along the right sleeve portion in a manner intended to correspond tothe superficial rear arm line extending along the wearer's right arm.The sixth tensor band is laid out along the left sleeve portion in amanner intended to correspond to the superficial rear arm line extendingalong the wearer's left arm.

In yet another feature, the orthopedic garment further comprises fifth,sixth, seventh and eighth tensor bands. The fifth tensor band is laidout along the right sleeve portion in a manner intended to correspond tothe superficial front arm line extending along the wearer's right arm.The sixth tensor band is laid out along the left sleeve portion in amanner intended to correspond to the superficial front arm lineextending along the wearer's left arm. The seventh tensor band is laidout along the right sleeve portion in a manner intended to correspond tothe superficial rear arm line extending along the wearer's right arm.The eighth tensor band is laid out along the left sleeve portion in amanner intended to correspond to the superficial rear arm line extendingalong the wearer's left arm. Additionally, the first, second, third,fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth tensor bands are made of afirst stretchable material and the remainder of the garment body is madeof at least one stretchable material different than the firststretchable material. The first stretchable material is stiffer than theat least one stretchable material used to make the remainder of thegarment body.

In a further feature, the left sleeve portion includes a first sleevebody, and a first shoulder part disposed at the upper end of the firstsleeve body and nestled between each of the front and rear bodyportions. The first shoulder part including at least one shoulder tensorband laid out in a manner intended to substantially correspond to aportion of the wearer's left deltoid. The right sleeve portion includesa second sleeve body, and a second shoulder part disposed at the upperend of the second sleeve body and nestled between each of the front andrear body portions. The second shoulder part includes at least oneshoulder tensor band laid out in a manner intended to substantiallycorrespond to a portion of the wearer's right deltoid.

In an additional feature, the at least one shoulder tensor band of thefirst shoulder part includes first and second shoulder tensor bands. Thefirst shoulder tensor band is laid out in a manner intended tosubstantially correspond to the muscle fibers of the wearer's front leftdeltoid. The second shoulder tensor band is laid out in a mannerintended to substantially correspond to the muscle fibers of thewearer's rear left deltoid. The at least one shoulder tensor band of thesecond shoulder part includes third and fourth shoulder tensor bands.The third shoulder tensor band is laid out in a manner intended tosubstantially correspond to the muscle fibers of the wearer's frontright deltoid. The fourth shoulder tensor band is laid out in a mannerintended to substantially correspond to the muscle fibers of thewearer's rear right deltoid.

In still another feature, the first and second shoulder tensor bandsmeet at a point intended to substantially correspond to the deltoidtuberosity of the wearer's left arm. The third and fourth shouldertensor bands meet at a point intended to substantially correspond to thedeltoid tuberosity of the wearer's right arm. Additionally, the leftsleeve portion includes a first circumferential band into which thefirst and second shoulder tensor bands converge and the right sleeveportion includes a second circumferential band into which the third andfourth shoulder tensor bands converge.

In a different feature, the left sleeve portion includes a first sleevebody terminating in a first cuff portion, and a first shoulder partdisposed at the upper end of the first sleeve body and nestled betweeneach of the front and rear body portions. The fifth tensor band isdisposed on the first sleeve body between the upper end thereof and thefirst cuff portion. The right sleeve portion includes a second sleevebody terminating in a second cuff portion, and a second shoulder partdisposed at the upper end of the second sleeve body and nestled betweeneach of the front and rear body portions. The sixth tensor band isdisposed on the second sleeve body between the upper end thereof and thesecond cuff portion.

In a further feature, the at least one tensor band is made of a firststretchable material and the remainder of the garment body is made of atleast one stretchable material different than the first stretchablematerial. The first stretchable material is stiffer than the at leastone stretchable material used to make the remainder of the garment body.

In an alternate feature, the garment body has a configuration selectedfrom the group consisting of: (a) a long-sleeved shirt; (b) a t-shirt,(c) a bodysuit; and (d) a jumpsuit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments of the present invention shall be more clearlyunderstood with reference to the following detailed description of theembodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 a is a schematic front end view of the upper body portion of ahuman body showing the arrangement of the superficial front arm lines,the front functional line and the front superficial line along the upperbody portion;

FIG. 1 b is a schematic rear end view of the upper body portion of ahuman body showing the arrangement of the superficial rear arm lines,the back functional line and the back superficial line along the upperbody portion;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of an orthopedic support garment inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention shown being wornby a wearer;

FIG. 3 is another front elevation view of the wearer and the orthopedicsupport garment similar to that illustrated in FIG. 2, with the wearer'sarms raised laterally away from their body;

FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of the wearer and the orthopedic supportgarment shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is another rear elevation view of the wearer and the orthopedicsupport garment similar to that illustrated in FIG. 4, with the wearer'sarms raised laterally away from their body;

FIG. 6 is a left hand side elevation view of the wearer and theorthopedic support garment shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a right hand side elevation view of the wearer and theorthopedic support garment shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the wearer and the orthopedic supportgarment illustrated in FIG. 2, with the wearer's arms raised laterallyaway from the body to better reveal details of the left and right sleeveportions of the garment;

FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of the front body portion shown in FIG.3;

FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of the rear body portion shown in FIG.4;

FIG. 11A is a front elevation view of a first alternate front body panelto that shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11B is a front elevation view of a second alternate front bodypanel to that shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a left hand side elevation view of an orthopedic supportgarment in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention,the garment provided with alternate sleeve portions to those shown inFIGS. 6 and 7;

FIG. 13 a is a front elevation view of the wearer and the orthopedicsupport garment shown in FIG. 2 showing the wearer's left arm raisedoverhead;

FIG. 13 b is a rear elevation view of the wearer and the orthopedicsupport garment illustrated in FIG. 2 showing the wearer's left armraised overhead;

FIG. 14 is a left side elevation view of the wearer and the orthopedicsupport garment illustrated in FIG. 2 showing the wearer's left armraised to shoulder level and forwardly extended;

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of the wearer and the orthopedicsupport garment illustrated in FIG. 2 showing the wearer's right armlifted overhead in the cocking phase position which precedes a baseballpitcher's throw; and

FIG. 16 is a rear perspective view of the wearer and the orthopedicsupport garment illustrated in FIG. 2 showing the wearer's right armfully extended in the release phase position which follows a baseballpitcher's throw.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The description, which follows, and the embodiments described thereinare provided by way of illustration of an example, or examples ofparticular embodiments of principles and aspects of the presentinvention. These examples are provided for the purposes of explanationand not of limitation, of those principles of the invention. In thedescription that follows, like parts are marked throughout thespecification and the drawings with the same respective referencenumerals.

In the following description, the terms “left” and “right” are used withreference to a wearer of the orthopedic support garment as described andshown herein. Accordingly, the term “left” relates to elements thatwould be positioned towards or on the left side of the wearer's body ifthe wearer were wearing the orthopedic support garment, while the term“right” relates to elements that would be positioned towards or on theright side of the wearer's body, if the wearer were wearing theorthopedic support garment.

Moreover, the term “medial” is be used to refer to a direction pointingtowards the center of the wearer's body, if the wearer were wearing theorthopedic support garment, while the term “lateral” is used to refer toa direction pointing away from the center of the wearer's body, if thewearer were wearing the orthopedic support garment, either toward theleft or right side of the wearer's body.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 8, there is an orthopedic support garmentdesignated generally with reference numeral 10, shown being worn by awearer 12. The garment 10 is intended to be worn tight-fitting orform-fitting on the upper part of a wearer's body. Advantageously, thegarment 10 is configured to provide at least some resistance to movementof the wearer's upper body for enhanced support and injury prevention,and for fostering increased proprioception in the wearer 12. But, incontrast to conventional upper body compression or support garments, thesupport and resistance afforded by the garment 10 is directed at leastin part along some of the fascial planes or lines running through thewearer's upper body.

By way of background, fascias are bands of fibrous connective tissuethat lie below the skin in broad continuous planes in the body. Fasciaenvelops, separates or binds together muscles, organs and other softstructures of the body and provides support and protection to such bodystructures. Fascia works as a communication system between the tissuesthat are responsible for movement, including bone, joint structures(capsules, ligaments), and muscle/tendon units.

Fascia can be seen to extend along meridians, planes or lines. FIGS. 1Aand 1B show some of the fascial planes or lines running along the upperbody portion 600 of a human body 602. In FIG. 1A, the diagonallyintersecting lines 604 and 606 which extend along the torso 608correspond to the front functional line 610; the vertical line 612extending along the medial portion of the torso 608 corresponds to thesuperficial front line 614; and the lines 616 and 618 extending alongthe inside of the right and left arms 620 and 622, respectively,correspond to the superficial front arm lines 624.

In FIG. 1B, the diagonally intersecting lines 626 and 628 which extendalong the torso 608 correspond to the back functional line 630; thevertical line 632 extending medially along the torso 608 corresponds tothe superficial back line 634; and the lines 636 and 638 extending alongthe outside of the right and left arms 620 and 622, respectively,correspond to the superficial rear arm lines 640.

The lines of fascia described above are engaged during specific movementpatterns. Imbalances within the fascia can lead to improper activationof muscles, which can ultimately predispose an individual to injury. Byproviding localized resistance (i.e. tension) along the fascial planesor lines (also known as myofascial meridians) of the wearer's upperbody, the garment 10 recruits the neuromusculoskeletal fascial networkto enhance proprioceptive (and kinesthetic) response. More specifically,the pressure applied by the shirt along the fascial anatomical planestends to play a significant role, by enhancing proper muscle firingpatterns during complex movements such as throwing a ball, serving intennis, swinging a golf club to name a few. In this way, the garment canbe used to facilitate an individual's kinesthetic sense, or knowledge ofwhere their body is positioned in space during movement which can bevery beneficial in improving athletic performance, rehabilitation frominjury or preventing injury.

In this embodiment, the garment 10 takes the shape of a long-sleevedshirt 24. The shirt 24 has a body made up of front and rear bodyportions 28 and 30 joined to each other along left and right verticallyextending seams (not shown) and right and left sleeve portions 36 and 38attached to the front and rear body portions 28 and 30.

As best shown in FIG. 9, the boundaries or margins of the front bodyportion 28 are defined by an upper edge 40; a lower edge 42; a pair ofopposed, relatively short, right and left upper lateral edges 44 and 46;and a pair of opposed, relatively long, right and left lower lateraledges 48 and 50. The edge 48 is joined to like edge 168 of the rear bodyportion 30 to form the left vertically extending seam. Similarly, theedge 50 attached to like edge 170 of the rear body portion 30 to formthe right vertically extending seam. The edges 48 and 50 extendsubstantially upwardly from the lower edge 42 to meet the right and leftupper lateral edges 44 and 46, respectively. In turn, the edges 44 and46 connect to the upper edge 40.

The upper edge 40 includes a right upper edge portion 52, a left upperedge portion 54 and an intermediate upper edge portion 56 disposedbetween the right and left upper edge portions 52 and 54. Theintermediate upper edge portion 56 has a downwardly concave shape thatconforms to a correspondingly convex shape of collar portion 58. Asshown in FIG. 2, the collar portion 58 is attached to the front bodyportion 28 along the intermediate upper edge portion 56.

The right upper edge portion 52 runs diagonally downward away from theintermediate upper edge portions 56 to meet the right upper lateral edge44. On the opposite side, the left upper edge portion 54 is disposed ina mirror image to the right upper edge portion 52. The edge portion 54extends diagonally downward from the intermediate upper edge portion 56to join the left upper lateral edge 46.

In contrast to the upper edge 40, the lower edge 42 runs substantiallystraight from the right lateral lower edge 48 to the left lateral loweredge 50. As shown in FIG. 2, the waistband portion 60 is attached to thefront body portion 28 along the lower edge 42.

The front body portion 28 can be seen to be formed by a plurality offabric panels assembled to each other. In this embodiment, the frontbody portion 28 is made up of nine (9) panels stitched together—a rightlateral panel 62; a left lateral panel 64; first, second and thirddiagonally-extending panels 66, 68 and 70; first second and third uppermedial panels 72, 74 and 76; and a lower panel 78. It will beappreciated that, in other embodiments, the front body portion of theorthopedic support garment could be made with a greater or lesser numberof panels.

Each of the panels 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, 76 and 78 will now bedescribed in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and 9. Theright lateral panel 62 vaguely resembles a triangle with two truncatedcorners. The boundaries or margins of the panel 62 are defined by thelower part 80 of the right upper lateral edge 44, the right lowerlateral edge 48, a lower medial edge 84 and an upper medial edge 86. Thelower part 80 of the right upper lateral edge 44 runs diagonallydownward to join to the right lower lateral edge 48. The edge 48 extendsdownwardly toward the waistband portion 60 until it meets the lowermedial edge 84. The edge 84 extends diagonally in a medial direction tomeet the upper medial edge 86. Lastly, the edge 86 runs diagonally in alateral direction to join the lower part 80 of the right upper lateraledge 44.

The left lateral panel 64 has substantially the same shape as the rightlateral panel 62—it too vaguely resembles a triangle with two truncatedcorners. The panel 64 is arranged to be the mirror image of the panel62. In the case of the left lateral panel 64 its boundaries are definedby the lower part 90 of the left upper lateral edge 46, the left lowerlateral edge 50, a lower medial edge 94 and an upper medial edge 96. Thelower part 90 of the left upper lateral edge 44 runs diagonally downwardto join to the left lower lateral edge 50. The edge 50 extendsdownwardly toward the waistband portion 60 until it meets the lowermedial edge 94. The edge 94 extends diagonally in a medial direction tomeet the upper medial edge 96. Lastly, the edge 96 runs diagonally in alateral direction to join the lower part 90 of the left upper lateraledge 46.

The first diagonally-extending panel 66 is shaped to vaguely resemble arectangle with one of its corners truncated. The margins of the panel 66are defined by the lower part 100 of the right upper edge portion 52, arelatively short upper lateral edge 102, a relatively long lower lateraledge 104, the part 106 of the lower edge 42, and a relatively longmedial edge 108 disposed substantially parallel to the lower lateraledge 104. The panel 66 extends diagonally from right to left from theupper edge 40 to the lower edge 42 in effect tying the right sleeveportion 38 to the waistband portion 60. Along its lower lateral edge104, the panel 66 is attached to the right lateral panel 62, the thirddiagonally-extending panel 70 and the lower panel 78. Along its medialedge 108, the panel 66 is joined to the left lateral panel 64, thesecond diagonally-extending panel 68 and the first and second uppermedial panels 72 and 74.

The second diagonally-extending panel 68 is similar to panel 66 in thatit too has a shape that is vaguely similar to that of a rectangle withone of its corners truncated. However, panel 68 is relatively shorterthan panel 66. Delimiting the boundaries of the panel 68 are the lowerpart 110 of the left upper edge portion 54, a medial edge 112, arelatively short upper lateral edge 114, a relatively long lateral edge116 and a lower edge 118. The panel 68 is disposed in the upper leftregion of the front panel portion 28 and attaches the left sleeveportion 36 to the panel 66. The panel 68 is bounded on one side by thesecond and third medial panels 74 and 76 and on the other side by theleft lateral panel 64.

The third diagonally-extending panel 70 has a generally frusto-conicalshape defined by an upper edge 120, a lower edge 122, a relatively shortmedial edge 124 and a relatively long lateral edge 126 disposedsubstantially parallel to medial edge 124. The panel 70 is disposed inthe lower right region of the front panel portion 28 and attaches thefirst diagonally-extending panel 66 to the waistband portion 60, and theright lateral panel 62 to the lower panel 78.

The first, second and third diagonally-extending panels 66, 68 and 70co-operate with each other to define an X-shaped or cross-like structure130 extending across the front panel portion 28. The first panel 66defines a first arm 132 of the cross-like structure 130, while thesecond and third panel 68 and 70 together define the second arm 134 ofthe structure 130. The arms 132 and 134 are disposed on the front panelportion 28 in a manner intended to substantially correspond to, follow,or trace, the diagonal fascial lines 604 and 606 that run along thefront of the wearer's upper body and define the front functional line610 (see FIG. 1A). Having the arms 132 and 134 disposed in this mannerprovides at least some tension and resistance to movement along thediagonal fascial planes thereby affording enhanced anatomicallyappropriate orthopedic support and proprioceptive (and kinesthetic)feedback to the wearer 12. Each arm 132, 134 is capable of functioningas a front diagonal tensor band, stretching (and providing resistance),when engaged by the wearer's movement.

In this embodiment, the arms 132 and 134 of the cross-like structurehave straight edges. In other embodiments, the edges of the arms couldbe configured differently. For instance, they could be zig-zagging,ondulated or the like.

The orthopedic support garment 10 shown in FIG. 2 is specificallydesigned to be worn by a right-handed person as the firstdiagonally-extending panel 66 extends continuously and uninterruptedlybetween the right sleeve portion 38 and the waistband portion 60 forsuperior support. However, it will be appreciated that with propermodification the orthodontic support garment could be configured for aleft-handed person. In such case, the arrangement of first, second andthird diagonally-extending panels in the front body portion of such agarment would be the mirror image of that shown in FIG. 2. Morespecifically, there would be a continuous and an uninterrupteddiagonally-extending panel running from the left sleeve portion to thewaistband portion. Modifications would also be required to be made tothe position and orientation of the diagonally-extending panels of therear body portion; these are described in greater detail below.

A person skilled in the art will appreciate that additionalmodifications could be brought to the cross-like structure 130. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 2, the arms 132 and 134 of the cross-likestructure 130 are arranged in a non-overlapping fashion made possible bythe fact that the arm 134 is built up of two panels that are connectedto each other only via the arm 132. This need not be the case in everyapplication. In an alternative embodiment, it may be possible tofabricate each arm of the cross-like structure from a single panel offabric and arrange such panels in an overlapping fashion such that onepanel partially overlies the other panel when forming the cross-likestructure. In still another embodiment, the cross-like structure couldbe made of a single fabric panel. Such an embodiment is illustrated inFIG. 11B wherein an alternative front body portion 650 is provided witha cross-like structure 652 having two diagonally extending panels 654and 656 integrally formed with each other from a single fabric panel.

Moreover, while in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, each panel 66, 68 and70 is made up of a single piece of fabric, in alternative embodiments,it may be possible to fabricate one or more panels from a plurality ofelongate fabric strips disposed side-by-each and stitched together. Insuch embodiments, the strips could be made of the same fabric materialor could be made of different materials having different elasticitycharacteristics for variable resistance or stiffness along a particularline or plane.

Lastly, while it is generally preferred that the front panel portion beprovided with two arms arranged in a cross-like structure that functionas tensors bands, in certain special applications, it may be desirableto have only a single diagonally-extending panel which connects only oneof the sleeve portions to the waistband.

Turning now to the first second and third upper medial panels 72, 74 and76, the first and third panels 72 and 76 are relatively small panels andare similar to each other in that each has a triangular shape. The firstare third panels 72 and 76 are disposed on either side of the secondpanel 74 in a mirror image arrangement. The panel 72 serves to reinforcethe connection between the right sleeve portion 38 and the firstdiagonally-extending panel 66. Similarly, the panel 76 reinforces theconnection between the left sleeve portion 36 and the seconddiagonally-extending panel 68 and act as stabilizers of the back fasciallines.

The second upper medial panel 74 is intended to be oriented along thesuperficial front line 614 when the garment 10 is worn by the wearer 12.The panel 74 has a wedge-like shape and is nestled between the first andsecond upper medial panels 72 and 76, the first and seconddiagonally-extending panels 66 and 68, and the collar portion 58. Theintermediate upper edge portion 56 to which is secured the collarportion 58, defines the uppermost margin of the panel 74.

Lastly, the lower panel 78 has a triangular shape and is positionedbetween the first and third diagonally-extending panels 66 and 70 andthe waistband portion 60. Like the second upper medial panel portion 74,the lower panel 78 is intended to be oriented along the superficialfront line 614 when the garment 10 is worn by the wearer.

In this embodiment, the panels 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, 76 and 78 of thefront body portion 28 are sewn together along several seams, namely:first and second, relatively long, diagonal seams 140 and 142; first,second, third and fourth, relatively short, diagonal seams 144, 146, 148and 150; and first and second, relatively short, vertical seams 152 and154. The lower lateral edge 104 of the panel 66 is attached to the uppermedial edge 96 of the right lateral panel 62, the upper edge 110 of thepanel 70 and the lower portion 78 along the first long diagonal seam140. The medial edge 108 of the panel 66 is joined to the first andsecond upper medial panels 72 and 74, the lower edge 118 of the panel68, and the lower medial edge 84 of the left lateral panel 64 along thesecond long diagonal seam 142.

The first short diagonal seam 144 connects the medial edge 112 of thepanel 68 to the panels 72 and 74. The second short diagonal seam 146joins the lateral edge 116 of the panel 68 to the upper medial edge 86of the left side panel 64. The long lateral edge 126 of the panel 70 isattached to the lower medial edge 84 of the right side panel 62 alongthe third short diagonal seam 148, while the short medial edge 124 ofthe panel 70 is joined to the lower portion 78 along the fourth shortdiagonal seam 150. Lastly, the first short vertical seam 152 joins thepanel 72 to the panel 74 and the second short vertical seam 154 connectsthe panel 74 to the panel 76.

In other embodiments, the number, orientation and location of thevarious seams could be different to match an alternate configuration ofthe front body portion.

In other embodiments, the front body portion could be configureddifferently, for instance, with a greater or lesser number of panels.FIG. 11A shows an alternate front panel portion designated generallywith reference numeral 470 that is provided with additional panels forimproved support and increased tensile resistance. The front panelportion 470 is generally similar to the front panel portion 28 shown inFIG. 10 in that it too is formed by a plurality of fabric panelsassembled to each other. However, in contrast to the front body portion28 which is made up of nine (9) panels, the front panel portion 470 ismade up of eleven (11) panels (i.e. with two additional panels). Thefront panel portion 470 includes a right lateral panel 472; a leftlateral panel 474; first, second and third diagonally-extending panels476, 478 and 480; first second and third upper medial panels 482, 484and 486; and first, second and third lower medial panels 488, 490 and492.

The configuration and arrangement of the panels 472, 474, 476, 478 and480 resemble that of counterpart panels 62, 64, 66, 68 and 70, exceptthat diagonally-extending panels 476, 478 and 480 are formed with anarrower width than the diagonally extending panels 66, 68 and 70 andtheir upper ends flare out slightly. This is to accommodate thedifferent arrangement of upper and lower medial panels 482, 484, 486,488, 490 and 492.

The first, second and third upper medial panels 482, 484 and 486 aredisposed between the first and second diagonally-extending panels 476and 478. The panels 482, 484 and 486 are shaped differently than thepanels 72, 74 and 76 of the front panel portion 28. More specifically,the first and third panels 482 and 486 are sized bigger than theircounterpart panels 72 and 76, while the second panel 484 is sizedsmaller than the second panel 74. The first and third upper medialpanels 482 and 486 are similar to each other in that each has asubstantially triangular shape. The first and third panels 482 and 486are disposed on either side of the second panel 484 in a mirror imagearrangement. The second upper medial panel 484 has an elongated shapewith a tapering end. The panel 484 is nestled between the first andsecond upper medial panels 482 and 486, the first and seconddiagonally-extending panels 476 and 478, and a collar portion (notshown).

The first, second and third lower medial panels 488, 490 and 492 aredisposed between the first and third diagonally-extending panels 476 and480. The first and third lower medial panels 488 and 492 are similar toeach other in that each has a triangular shape. The first and thirdpanels 488 and 492 are disposed on either side of the second panel 490in a mirror image arrangement, and are bounded by the first and thirddiagonally-extending panels 476 and 480, respectively. The second lowermedial panel 490 has an elongated shape with a tapering end. The panel490 is nestled between the first and second lower medial panels 488 and492, the first and third diagonally-extending panels 476 and 480, and awaistband portion (not shown).

In this embodiment, the first, second and third diagonally-extendingpanels 476, 478 and 480 co-operate with each other to define an X-shapedor cross-like structure 494 extending across the front panel portion 470(not unlike, the cross-like structure 130 of front panel 28 shown inFIG. 10). The first panel 476 defines a first arm 496 of the cross-likestructure 494, while the second and third panel 478 and 480 togetherdefine the second arm 498 of the structure 494. The arms 496 and 498 aredisposed on the front panel portion 470 in a manner intended tosubstantially correspond to, follow, or trace, the diagonal fasciallines 604 and 606 that run along the front of the wearer's upper bodyand define the front functional line 610 (see FIG. 1A). Each arm 496,498 is capable of functioning as a front diagonal tensor band,stretching (and providing resistance), when engaged by the wearer'smovement.

However, in addition to having front diagonal tensors bands defined byarms 486 and 498 of the cross-like structure 494, the front panelportion 470 also has a front vertical tensor band defined cooperativelyby the second upper medial panel 484 and the second lower medial panel490. This vertical tensor band is disposed on the front panel portion470 in a manner intended to substantially correspond to, follow, ortrace, the center fascial line 612 that runs along the front of thewearer's upper body and defines the superficial front line 614 (see FIG.1A). The vertical tensor band can be engaged when the wearer extendshis/her trunk.

The rear body portion 32 will now be described in greater detail withreference to FIGS. 4, 5 and 10. The boundaries or margins of the rearbody portion 30 are defined by an upper edge 160; a lower edge 162; apair of opposed, relatively short, left and right upper lateral edges164 and 166; and a pair of opposed, relatively long, left and rightlower lateral edges 168 and 170. The edges 168 and 170 extendsubstantially upwardly from the lower edge 162 to meet the left andright upper lateral edges 164 and 166, respectively. In turn, the edges164 and 166 connect to the upper edge 160.

The upper edge 160 includes a left upper edge portion 172, a right upperedge portion 174 and an intermediate upper edge portion 176 disposedbetween the left and right upper edge portions 172 and 174. As shown inFIG. 4, the collar portion 58 is attached to the rear body portion 30along the intermediate upper edge portion 176.

The left upper edge portion 172 curved slightly concavely and runsdownwardly from the intermediate upper edge portions 176 to meet theleft upper lateral edge 164. On the opposite side, the right upper edgeportion 174 is disposed in a mirror image to the left upper lateral edgeportion 172. The edge portion 174 extends downwardly from theintermediate upper edge portion 176 to join the right upper lateral edge166.

In contrast to the upper edge 160, the lower edge 162 runs substantiallystraight from the left lateral lower edge 168 to the right lateral loweredge 170. As shown in FIG. 4, the waistband portion 60 is attached tothe rear body portion 30 along the lower edge 162.

The rear body portion 30 is generally similar to the front body portion28 in that it too is formed from a plurality of fabric panels assembledto each other. In this embodiment, the rear body portion 30 is made upof nine (9) panels stitched together—a left lateral panel 182; a rightlateral panel 184; first, second and third diagonally-extending panels186, 188 and 190; first second and third upper medial panels 192, 194and 196; and a lower panel 198. It will be appreciated that, in otherembodiments, the rear body portion of the orthopedic support garmentcould be made with a greater or lesser number of panels.

Each of the panels 182, 184, 186, 188, 190, 192, 194, 196 and 198 willnow be described in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 4, 5 and 10.The left lateral panel 182 is substantially similar to the left lateralpanel 62 of the front body portion 28 described above. The panel 182 hasboundaries or margins that are defined by the lower part 200 of the leftupper lateral edge 164, the left lower lateral edge 168, a lower medialedge 204 and an upper medial edge 206. The lower part 200 of the leftupper lateral edge 164 runs diagonally downward to join to the leftlower lateral edge 168. The edge 168 extends downwardly toward thewaistband portion 60 until it meets the lower medial edge 204. The edge204 extends diagonally in a medial direction to meet the upper medialedge 206. Lastly, the edge 206 runs diagonally in a lateral direction tojoin the lower part 200 of the left upper lateral edge 164.

The right lateral panel 184 closely resembles the right lateral panel 64of the front body portion 28. Its boundaries are defined by the lowerpart 210 of the right upper lateral edge 166, the right lower lateraledge 170, a lower medial edge 214 and an upper medial edge 216. Thelower part 210 of the right upper lateral edge 164 runs diagonallydownward to join to the right lower lateral edge 170. The edge 170extends downwardly toward the waistband portion 60 until it meets thelower medial edge 214. The edge 214 extends diagonally in a medialdirection to meet the upper medial edge 216. Lastly, the edge 216 runsdiagonally in a lateral direction to join the lower part 210 of theright upper lateral edge 166.

The first diagonally-extending panel 186 has a shape very similar tothat of the first diagonally-extending panel 66 of the front bodyportion 28, except that it somewhat shorter than panel 66. The marginsof the panel 186 are defined by the lower part 220 of the left upperedge portion 172, a relatively short upper lateral edge 222, arelatively long lower lateral edge 224, the part 226 of the lower edge162, and a relatively long medial edge 228 disposed substantiallyparallel to the lower lateral edge 124. In contrast to the firstdiagonally-extending panel 66 which extends from right to left from theupper edge 40 to the lower edge 42, the panel 186 extends from left toright from the upper edge 160 to the lower edge 162, tying the leftsleeve portion 36 to the waistband portion 60. Along its lower lateraledge 224, the panel 186 is attached to the left lateral panel 182, thethird diagonally-extending panel 190 and the lower panel 198. Along itsmedial edge 228, the panel 186 is joined to the right lateral panel 184,the second diagonally-extending panel 188 and the first and second uppermedial panels 192 and 194.

The second diagonally-extending panel 188 is shaped similar to itscounterpart panel 68 in the front body portion 28. The boundaries of thepanel 188 are delimited by the lower part 230 of the right upper edgeportion 174, a medial edge 232, a relatively short upper lateral edge234, a relatively long lower lateral edge 236 and a lower edge 238. Thepanel 188 is disposed in the upper right region of the rear panelportion 30 and attaches the right sleeve portion 38 to the panel 186.The panel 188 is bounded on one side by the second and third medialpanels 194 and 196 and on the other side by the right lateral panel 184.

The third diagonally-extending panel 190 is shaped to resemble panel 70of the front body portion 28. It has an upper edge 240, a lower edge242, a relatively short medial edge 244 and a relatively long lateraledge 246 disposed substantially parallel to medial edge 244. The panel190 is disposed in the lower left region of the rear panel portion 30and attaches the first diagonally-extending panel 186 to the waistbandportion 60, and the left lateral panel 182 to the lower panel 198.

The first, second and third diagonally-extending panels 186, 188 and 190co-operate with each other to define an X-shaped or cross-like structure250 (not unlike cross-structure 130) extending across the rear panelportion 30. The first panel 186 defines a first arm 252 of thecross-like structure 250, while the second and third panel 188 and 190together define the second arm 254 of the structure 250. The arms 252and 254 are disposed on the rear panel portion 30 in a manner intendedto substantially correspond to, follow, or trace, the diagonal fasciallines 626 and 628 (shown in FIG. 1B) that run along the rear of thewearer's upper body. As is the case with arms 132 and 134, having thearms 252 and 254 disposed in this manner provides at least some tensionand resistance to movement along the diagonal fascial planes therebyaffording enhanced anatomically appropriate orthopedic support andproprioceptive (and kinesthetic) feedback to the wearer 12. Each arm252, 254 is capable of functioning as a rear diagonal tensor band,stretching (and providing resistance), when engaged by the wearer'smovement.

As mentioned previously, the orthopedic support garment 10 isspecifically designed to be worn by a right-handed person. However, itwill be appreciated that with proper modification the orthodonticsupport garment could be configured for a left-handed person. In suchcase, the arrangement of first, second and third diagonally-extendingpanels in the rear body portion of such a garment would be the mirrorimage of that shown in FIG. 4. More specifically, there would be acontinuous and an uninterrupted diagonally-extending panel running fromthe right sleeve portion to the waistband portion. Additionally, theposition and orientation of the diagonally-extending panels of the frontbody portion would be modified as described above.

A person skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications similarto those described above in the context of the cross-like structure 130,could also be brought to the cross-like structure 250 such that there isno need to repeat the description thereof here. In addition, in otherembodiments, the rear body portion could be configured differently, forinstance, with a greater or lesser number of panels. In this regard, therear panel portion could be made to resemble the alternate front panelportion shown in FIG. 11A or FIG. 11B.

Turning now to the first second and third upper medial panels 192, 194and 196, these are generally similar to their counterpart panels 72, 74and 76 of the front body portion 28. Like panels 72 and 76, the firstand third panels 192 and 196 are relatively small triangular panels. Thefirst are third panels 192 and 196 are disposed on either side of thesecond panel 194 in a mirror image arrangement. The panel 192 serves toreinforce the connection between the left sleeve portion 36 and thefirst diagonally-extending panel 186. Similarly, the panel 196reinforces the connection between the right sleeve portion 38 and thesecond diagonally-extending panel 188.

The second upper medial panel 194 is intended to be oriented along thesuperficial back line 634 (shown in FIG. 1B) when the garment 10 is wornby the wearer 12. The panel 194 is shaped similar to an arrowhead and isnestled between the first and second upper medial panels 192 and 196,the first and second diagonally-extending panels 186 and 188, and thecollar portion 58. The intermediate upper edge portion 176 to which issecured the collar portion 58, defines the uppermost margin of the panel194.

Lastly, the lower panel 198 has a triangular shape and is positionedbetween the first and third diagonally-extending panels 186 and 190 andthe waistband portion 60. Like the second upper medial panel 194, thelower panel 198 is intended to be oriented along the superficial backline 634 when the garment 10 is worn by the wearer 12.

In this embodiment, the panels 186, 188, 190, 192, 194, 196 and 198 ofthe rear body portion 30 are sewn together along several seams, namely:first and second, relatively long, diagonal seams 260 and 262; first,second, third and fourth, relatively short, diagonal seams 264, 266, 268and 270; and first and second, relatively short, vertical seams 272 and274. The lower lateral edge 124 of the panel 186 is attached to theupper medial edge 106 of the left lateral panel 182, the upper edge 240of the panel 190 and the lower portion 198 along the first long diagonalseam 260. The medial edge 128 of the panel 186 is joined to the firstand second upper medial panels 192 and 194, the lower edge 238 of thepanel 188, and the lower medial edge 214 of the right lateral panel 184along the second long diagonal seam 262.

The first short diagonal seam 264 connects the medial edge 232 of thepanel 188 to the panels 192 and 194. The second short diagonal seam 266joins the lateral edge 236 of the panel 188 to the upper medial edge 216of the right side panel 184. The long lateral edge 246 of the panel 190is attached to the lower medial edge 104 of the left side panel 182along the third short diagonal seam 268, while the short medial edge 244of the panel 190 is joined to the lower portion 198 along the fourthshort diagonal seam 270. Lastly, the first short vertical seam 272 joinsthe panel 192 to the panel 194 and the second short vertical seam 274connects the panel 194 to the panel 196.

In other embodiments, the number, orientation and location of thevarious seams could be different to match an alternate configuration ofthe rear body portion.

Turning to FIGS. 2 to 8, the left and right sleeve portions 36 and 38will now be described in greater detail. The left sleeve portion 36includes a sleeve body 280 and a shoulder part 282 disposed on the upperend of the sleeve body 280 and nestled between the collar portion 58 andeach of the front and rear body portions 28 and 30. When viewed in topplan (see FIG. 8), the shoulder part 282 can be seen to have a partiallytruncated oval shape made up of an inner cup section 284 and an outersection 286 surrounding the inner cup section 284. As shown in FIGS. 6and 8, the boundaries of the outer section 286 are defined by a frontcurved outer edge portion 288; a front curved inner edge portion 290spaced apart from the edge portion 288; a rear curved outer edge portion292; a rear curved inner edge portion 294 spaced apart from the edgeportion 292; a first, relatively short, edge portion 296 extendingbetween the front curved outer edge portion 288 and the front curvedinner edge portion 290; and a second, relatively short, edge portion 298(visible only in FIG. 4) extending between the rear curved outer edgeportion 292 and the rear curved inner edge portion 294. The outersection 286 has a first band 300 defined between the front curved outeredge portion 288 and the front curved inner edge portion 290, and asecond band 302 defined between the rear curved outer edge portion 292and the rear curved inner edge portion 294. Each band 300, 302 iscapable of functioning as a shoulder tensor band (the band 300 as afront shoulder tensor band and the band 302 as a rear shoulder tensorband), stretching (and providing resistance), when engaged by thewearer's movement.

The outer section 286 is attached to the front body portion 28 by afirst seam 304 that joins the front curved outer edge portion 288 to theleft upper edge portion 52, and to the rear body portion 30 by a secondseam 306 that joins the rear curved outer edge portion 292 to the leftupper edge portion 172 (see FIG. 6). The first and second seams 304 and306 also serve to attach the outer section 286 to the sleeve body 280.At juncture 308, the first and second seams 304 and 306 meet.

Defining the margins of the inner cup section 284 are a front curvededge portion 314; an opposed rear curved edge portion 316; a relativelyshort edge 318 joining the edge portion 314 to the edge portion 316. Thefront curved edge portion 314 is attached to the front curved inner edgeportion 292 of the outer section 286 by a third seam 312, while the rearcurved edge portion 316 is attached to the rear curved inner edgeportion 294 of the outer section 286 by a fourth seam 324. The third andfourth seams 312 and 324 meet at a juncture 326 (see FIG. 6). The innercup section 284 is connected to the collar portion 58 along the shortedge 318.

When the garment 10 is worn by the wearer, the shoulder part 282 locateson the wearer's left shoulder with the inner cup section 284 roughlyaligned with the middle muscle fibers of the shoulder (or deltoid), thefirst band 300 roughly aligned with the anterior muscle fibers of theshoulder, and the second band 302 roughly aligned with the posteriormuscle fibers of the shoulder. The location 312 where the first andsecond bands 300 and 302 meet corresponds roughly to the deltoidtuberosity of the wearer's left arm.

In other embodiments, the shoulder part could be configured differently.For instance, it could be formed with three clearly defined subsectionscorresponding to the anterior, middle and posterior heads of the deltoid(shoulder), thereby mimicking the anatomical structures of the shoulder.One such embodiment is shown in FIG. 12 wherein an alternate orthopedicsupport garment 500 sleeve portion is designated generally withreference numeral 501. The sleeve portion 501 is generally similar tothe sleeve portion 280 in that it too includes a sleeve body 502 and ashoulder part 504. The sleeve body 502 is generally similar to thesleeve body 280 shown in FIG. 6. The shoulder part 504 is disposed onthe upper end of the sleeve body 502 and nestled between the collarportion 506 and each of the front and rear body portions 508 and 510.The shoulder part 504 is made up of three elongate sections—an anteriorshoulder section 512, a middle shoulder section 514 and a posteriorshoulder section 516—which extend between the collar portion 506 and thesleeve body 502. The middle shoulder section 514 is disposed between,and attached to, the anterior and posterior shoulder sections 512 and516. The shoulder part 504 is joined to the front body portion 508 alongthe outer edge of the anterior shoulder section 512. Similarly, theshoulder part 504 is joined to the rear body portion 510 along the outeredge of the posterior shoulder band 516. The distal ends of the shouldersections 512, 514 and 516 converge toward each and are tied into acircumferential connector band 518 formed in the upper region of thesleeve body 502. The insertion of the shoulder sections 512, 514 and 516into the connector band 518 corresponds approximately to the anatomicalinsertion of the anterior, middle and posterior deltoid muscle fibersinto the brachialis muscle. The sleeve body 502 also attaches to thecircumferential connector band 518.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 5, 6 and 8, the sleeve body 280 has a proximalend 328 and a distal end 330 and is formed by a plurality elongatefabric panels stitched together and extending from the proximal end 328to the distal end 330. In this embodiment, the plurality of panelsincludes four (4) panels—a first panel 334, a second panel 336, a thirdpanel 338 and a fourth panel 340. In other embodiments, greater orlesser number of panels could be employed to form the sleeve body. Thefirst panel 334 is joined to the second panel 336 by a first elongateseam 342 (visible in FIG. 3); the second panel 336 is joined to thethird panel 338 by a second elongate seam 344 (visible in FIG. 4); thethird panel 338 is joined to the fourth panel 340 by a third elongateseam 346 (visible in FIG. 2); and the fourth panel 340 is joined to thefirst panel 334 by a fourth elongate seam 348 (visible in FIGS. 2 and5). Additionally, the distal ends of the first and second panels 334 and336 are joined to the left upper lateral edge 44 of the front bodyportion 28 by a first short seam 350 (visible in FIG. 3), while thedistal end of the third panel 336 is joined to left upper lateral edge164 of the rear body portion 30 by a second short seam 352 (visible inFIG. 5). In other embodiments, the number, orientation and location ofthe various seams could be different to match an alternate configurationof the sleeve body.

At the distal end 330 of the sleeve body 280, the panels 334, 336, 338and 340 are attached to a sleeve cuff 354 (visible in FIGS. 3 and 5).The cuff 354 may be elasticized to snugly embrace or engage the wearer'swrist. In an alternative embodiment, the cuff could be provided with anaperture defined therethrough to permit passage of the wearer's thumb.This arrangement would tend to ensure that the sleeve body 280 remainsextended and properly positioned on the wearer's arm when the garment 10is worn.

The second and fourth panels 336 and 340 form bands 360 and 362 that arelaid out in such a manner as to substantially correspond to, follow, ortrace, the superficial fascia of the wearer's left arm. Morespecifically, the band 360 is slightly bowed and is configured to followthe superficial front arm line. When the garment 10 is worn by thewearer 12, the band 360 can be seen to be running from the wearer's leftunderarm to the medial epicondyle. At that location, the band 360changes orientation and extends over the anterior side of the wearer'sleft forearm ultimately terminating at the anterior side of the wearer'swrist (See FIGS. 3 and 4).

The band 362 has a generally dog-legged shape and is designed to followthe superficial rear arm line 640 (shown in FIG. 1B). When the garment10 is worn by the wearer 12, the band 362 can be seen to run from theoutside of the wearer's upper arm to the lateral epicondyle. At thatlocation, the band 362 changes orientation and extends over theposterior side of the wearer's left forearm ultimately terminating atthe posterior side of the wearer's wrist (See FIGS. 5 and 6).

In this embodiment, the sleeve body 280 is provided with bands 360 and362 which substantially trace both the superficial front arm line 624(shown in FIG. 1A) and the superficial rear arm line 640 (shown in FIG.1B) and which are capable of functioning as arm tensor bands, stretching(and providing resistance), when engaged by the wearer's movement. Thisneed not be the case in every application. In an alternative embodiment,the sleeve body could be configured with a single band tracing only oneof the superficial arm lines. In yet another embodiment, a pair of bandscould be arranged to substantially trace both deep front and rear armlines. Alternatively, a single band could be provided to trace only oneof the deep arm lines. In a different embodiment, bands could be laidout to substantially trace one or both superficial arm lines, and one orboth deep arm lines. In still another embodiment, the tensor bands couldbe omitted from the sleeve body.

Modifications may be brought to the left sleeve portion 36. Forinstance, in other embodiments, the left sleeve portion could beprovided with a circumferential connector band not unlikecircumferential connector band 518 shown in FIG. 12. In such a case, thecircumferential connector band could be disposed between the shoulderpart and the sleeve body. The bands of the shoulder part defining thefront and rear shoulder tensor bands could tie into the circumferentialconnector band. Similarly, the various panels of the sleeve body couldbe attached to the circumferential connector band.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, 7 and 8, the right sleeve portion 38resembles the left sleeve portion 36 in that it too includes a sleevebody 370 and a shoulder part 372 disposed on the upper end of the sleevebody 370 and nestled between the collar portion 58 and each of the frontand rear body portions 28 and 30. When viewed in top plan, the shoulderpart 372 can be seen to have a partially truncated oval shape made up ofan inner cup section 374 and an outer section 376 surrounding the innercup section 374. The boundaries of the outer section 376 are defined bya front curved outer edge portion 378; a front curved inner edge portion380 spaced apart from the edge portion 378; a rear curved outer edgeportion 382; a rear curved inner edge portion 384 spaced apart from theedge portion 382; a first, relatively short, edge portion 386 extendingbetween the front curved outer edge portion 378 and the front curvedinner edge portion 380; and a second, relatively short, edge portion 388extending between the rear curved outer edge portion 382 and the rearcurved inner edge portion 384. The outer section has a first band 390defined between the front curved outer edge portion 378 and the frontcurved inner edge portion 380, and a second band 392 defined between therear curved outer edge portion 382 and the rear curved inner edgeportion 384. Each band 390, 392 is capable of functioning as a shouldertensor band (the band 390 as a front shoulder tensor band and the band392 as a rear shoulder tensor band), stretching (and providingresistance), when engaged by the wearer's movement.

The outer section 376 is attached to the front body portion 28 by afirst seam 400 that joins the front curved outer edge portion 378 to theright upper edge portion 54, and to the rear body portion 30 by a secondseam 402 that joins the rear curved outer edge portion 382 to the rightupper edge portion 174 (see FIG. 7). The first and second seams 400 and402 also serve to attach the outer section 386 to the sleeve body 370.At juncture 404, the first and second seams 400 and 402 meet.

Defining the margins of the inner cup section 374 are a front curvededge portion 394; an opposed rear curved edge portion 396; a relativelyshort edge 398 joining the edge portion 394 to the edge portion 396. Thefront curved edge portion 394 is attached to the front curved inner edgeportion 382 of the outer section 376 by a third seam 406, while the rearcurved edge portion 396 is attached to the rear curved inner edgeportion 384 of the outer section 376 by a fourth seam 408. The third andfourth seams 406 and 408 meet at a juncture 409. The inner cup section374 is connected to the collar portion 58 along the short edges 398.

When the garment 10 is worn by the wearer, the shoulder part 372 locateson the wearer's right shoulder with the inner cup section 374 roughlyaligned with the middle muscle fibers of the shoulder (or deltoid), thefirst band 390 roughly aligned with the anterior muscle fibers of theshoulder, and the second band 392 roughly aligned with the posteriormuscle fibers of the shoulder. The location 402 where the first andsecond bands 390 and 392 meet corresponds roughly to the deltoidtuberosity of the wearer's right arm.

A person skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications similarto those described above in the context of the shoulder part 282, couldalso be brought to the shoulder part 372 such that there is no need torepeat the description thereof here.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8, the sleeve body 370 isgenerally similar to the sleeve body 280 described above. It has aproximal end 410 and a distal end 412 and is formed by a pluralityelongate fabric panels stitched together and extending from the proximalend 410 to the distal end 412. In this embodiment, the plurality ofpanels includes four (4) panels—a first panel 424, a second panel 426, athird panel 428 and a fourth panel 430. In other embodiments, greater orlesser number of panels could be employed to form the sleeve body. Thefirst panel 424 is joined to the second panel 426 by a first elongateseam 432 (visible in FIG. 3); the second panel 426 is joined to thethird panel 428 by a second elongate seam 434 (visible in FIG. 4); thethird panel 428 is joined to the fourth panel 430 by a third elongateseam 436 (visible in FIGS. 4 and 5); and the fourth panel 430 is joinedto the first panel 424 by a fourth elongate seam 438 (visible in FIGS. 2and 5). Additionally, the distal ends of the first and second panels 424and 426 are joined to the right upper lateral edge 46 of the front bodyportion 28 by a first short seam 440 (visible in FIG. 3), while thedistal end of the third panel 428 is joined to right upper lateral edge166 of the rear body portion 30 by a second short seam 442 (visible inFIG. 5). In other embodiments, the number, orientation and location ofthe various seams could be different to match an alternate configurationof the sleeve body.

At the distal end 412 of the sleeve body 370, the panels 424, 426, 428and 430 are attached to a sleeve cuff 444. The cuff 444 may beelasticized to snugly embrace or engage the wearer's wrist. As is thecase with 352, cuff 444 could be provided with an aperture definedtherethrough to permit passage of the wearer's thumb. This arrangementwould tend to ensure that the sleeve body 370 remains extended andproperly positioned on the wearer's arm when the garment 10 is worn.

The second and fourth panels 426 and 430 form bands 456 and 458 that arelaid out in such a manner as to substantially correspond to, follow, ortrace, the superficial fascia of the wearer's left arm, and capable offunctioning as arm tensor bands, stretching (and providing resistance),when engaged by the wearer's movement. The band 456 is slightly bowedand is configured to follow the superficial front arm line 624 (shown inFIG. 1B). When the garment 10 is worn by the wearer 12, the band 456 canbe seen to be running from the wearer's right underarm to the medialepicondyle. At that location, the band 456 changes orientation andextends over the anterior of the wearer's right forearm ultimatelyterminating at the anterior side of the wearer's wrist (see FIGS. 3 and4).

The band 458 has a generally dog-legged shape and is designed to followthe superficial rear arm line 640 (show in FIG. 1B). When the garment 10is worn by the wearer 12, the band 458 can be seen to run from theoutside of the wearer's upper arm to the lateral epicondyle. At thatlocation, the band 458 changes orientation and extends over theposterior side of the wearer's right forearm ultimately terminating atthe posterior side of the wearer's wrist (see FIGS. 5 and 7).

In like fashion to the sleeve body 280, the sleeve body 370 could beconfigured with a different number and/or arrangement of bands. Analternate sleeve body could have a single band substantially tracing oneof the superficial or deep arm lines, or could have multiple bandssubstantially tracing one or more of the superficial arm lines and oneor more of the deep arm lines.

Modifications similar to those discussed in the context of the leftsleeve portion 36, could be brought to the right sleeve portion 38 aswell.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, the waistband portion 60 can be seen toextend circumferentially about the lowermost margin of the garment. Thewaistband portion is elasticized and also includes friction enhancingmeans on its underside. In this embodiment, the friction enhancing meanstake the form of a plurality of very small rubber loops or nubs (notshown) that depend from the waistband portion. The loops are designed tofrictionally engage the surface against which they bear. Thisarrangement tends to hold the orthopedic support garment 10 in placethereby preventing the garment 10 from lifting up as the wearer moves.In this embodiment, the garment 10 is configured so that the waistbandportion 60 rides at hip level on the wearer. In other embodiments, thegarment 10 could be worn higher or lower on the wearer.

The garment 10 and the various panels of the front and rear bodyportions 28 and 30, and the left and right sleeve portions 36 and 38 arefabricated from an elastic or stretchable fabric selected to provide atight, compression-like (or form-fitting) fit on the wearer. Preferably,the fabric would have four-way stretch. However, in certain cases, afabric having two-way stretch could be employed. The fabric couldcontain one or more of polyester, spandex, elastic, nylon, or the like.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 to 10, the garment is constructed offabrics exhibiting different stiffness, resistance or elasticitycharacteristics. More specifically, different fabrics have been employedfor different panels depending on the desired resistance to movement tobe created by the panel. The panels 66, 68, 70, 186, 188, and 190 whichfunction as tensor bands on the front and rear body portions 28 and 30are made of an elastic cotton material. The other panels 62, 64, 72, 74,76, 78, 182, 184, 192, 194, 196 and 198 that make up the front and rearbody portions 28 and 30 are made of a less stiff fabric exhibitinggreater elastic properties than the fabric used for the front and rearbody tensor bands. The fabric used for these latter panels may be acombination of nylon, spandex and polyester.

Regarding the right and left sleeve portions 36 and 38, the panels 336,340, 426 and 430 which define the right and left arm tensor bands, andthe bands 300, 302, 390 and 392 which define the right and left frontand rear shoulder tensor bands, are made from a stiffer or heavierfabric than that used for the front and rear body tensors. For example,one or more of the right and left arm tensor bands and the right andleft shoulder tensor bands could be made with OMNISKYN™ produced byBodyHelix, LLC, in Greensboro, N.C. Advantageously, such fabric tends togrip the wearer's skin for further enhanced proprioception.

Optionally, one or more of the front and rear body tensor bands, the armtensor bands or the shoulder tensor bands could be provided with atextured or friction-enhancing surface on their underside for contactwith the wearer's skin. In a further alternative, the underside of thesetensor bands could have small projecting nubs or other like structuresfor bearing against the wearer's skin. Such friction-enhancing surfacesor projecting nubs could be provided to heighten the proprioceptionexperienced by the wearer.

It will thus be appreciated that by selecting fabrics of varyingstiffness and elasticity greater or lesser resistance of movement may beprovided to accommodate the wearer's physical condition. In this way,the garment can be made to suit a patient which is rehabilitating frominjury, or an athlete seeking to improve his/her conditioning,proprioceptive function.

In alternative embodiments, all the panels of the garment could be madeusing the same fabric.

For enhanced comfort for the wearer, it is preferred that the fabricsused in the garment be breathable and have moisture wicking properties.In this regard, the fabrics may have incorporated therein metal ions, orother mechanical sweat wicking, temperature regulating materials.

In this embodiment, flat-lock stitching is used to form the seams 140 to154, 260 to 274, 304, 306, 312, 324, 342 to 352, 400, 402, 408 and 432to 442. In other embodiments, a different type of stitching could beused. While in the embodiment described, the various panels are sewn toeach other. In other embodiments, the panels could be attached to eachother differently, of further still the panels could be merged orincorporated with each other using advanced production techniques.

Having described the structure of the orthodontic support garment 10 andits constituent parts, what follows is a brief description of how thevarious tensor bands formed in the garment 10 may be engaged by thewearer's movements. Only a few basic movements are described toillustrate the engagement of the tensors. These movements arerepresentative only. Accordingly, the description of the engagement ofthe tensor bands is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting and ismerely provided to enhance comprehension.

FIGS. 13A and 13B show the wearer 12 of the garment 10 with his/her leftarm raised above his/her head. It can be seen that in that position, thesecond diagonally-extending panel 68 of the front panel 28 is extendedor stretched (as depicted by the arrows) and that consequently, thefront diagonal tensor band defined by the second arm 134 of thecross-like structure 130 is engaged (see FIG. 13A), mimicking theengagement of the front functional line 630 in the wearer's anatomy. InFIG. 13A, the tensor band 360 can also be seen to be in tension (asdepicted by the arrows) in a manner not unlike the engagement of thesuperficial front arm line 624.

Similarly, when the wearer 12 is in that position, the firstdiagonally-extending panel 186 of the rear panel 30 is extended orstretched and the rear diagonal tensor band defined by the first arm 252of the cross-like structure 250 is engaged (see FIG. 13B), imitating theengagement of the back functional line 630 in the wearer's anatomy. InFIG. 13B, the tensor band 362 can also be seen to be in tension in amanner not unlike the engagement of the superficial rear arm line 640.

FIG. 14 shows the wearer 12 of the garment 10 with his/her left armraised to shoulder level and forwardly extended. In that position, itcan be seen that the rear shoulder tensor band defined by the secondband 302 of the shoulder part 282 is engaged. In addition, the firstdiagonally-extending panel 186 (defining one of the rear diagonal tensorbands) can be seen to be in tension, imitating the engagement of theback functional line 630 in the wearer's anatomy.

FIG. 15 shows the wearer 12 of the garment 10 with his/her right armoverhead in the cocking phase position preceding a baseball pitcher'sthrow. In that position, it can be seen that the right arm tensor 456defined by the second panel 426 is engaged, mimicking the anatomicalengagement of the superficial front arm line 624. In addition, the firstdiagonally-extending panel 66 (defining one of the front diagonal tensorbands) can be seen to be in tension, imitating the engagement of thefront functional line 610 in the wearer's anatomy.

FIG. 16 shows the wearer 12 of the garment 10 with his/her right armfully extended in the release phase position following a baseballpitcher's throw. In that position, it can be seen that the right armtensor 458 defined by the fourth panel 430 is engaged, mimicking theanatomical engagement of the superficial rear arm line 640. In addition,the second diagonally-extending panel 188 (defining one of the reardiagonal tensor bands) can be seen to be in tension, imitating theengagement of the back functional line 630 in the wearer's anatomy.

While in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 to 10 the garment 10 takes theform of a long-sleeved shirt, it should be appreciated that in otherembodiments, it could take a different form. Applying the principles ofthe present invention with appropriate modifications, the orthopedicsupport garment could be configured as a t-shirt, a bodysuit, ajumpsuit, or any similar garment. Additionally, the garment could beworn as stand alone athletic wear or could be used as an underlayer tobe worn beneath clothing or equipment.

It will thus be appreciated that by having various tensor panelsdisposed along certain key fascial planes or lines of the body, thegarment is able to elicit an enhanced anatomically appropriateproprioceptive (and kinesthetic) feedback to the wearer for variousmuscle groups of the upper body during the wearer's movement. Thisproprioceptive feedback can be useful for teaching athletes in a varietyof sports, the proper phases of a movement.

Although the foregoing description and accompanying drawings relate tospecific preferred embodiments of the present invention as presentlycontemplated by the inventor, it will be understood that variouschanges, modifications and adaptations, may be made without departingfrom the spirit of the invention.

1-31. (canceled)
 32. A long-sleeved shirt orthopedic garment comprising:a garment body having a front body portion, a rear body portion joinedto the front body portion along right and left lateral portions andalong right and left upper edge portions, a waistband extendingcircumferentially about lower margins of the front and rear bodyportions, and right and left long-sleeve portions attached to the frontand rear body portions proximate the respective right and left upperedge portions, the left and right sleeve portions including respectivefirst and second cuffs configured to extend around respective wrists ofa wearer; a first tensor band laid out along one of the front and rearbody portions having a first end extending from the waistband adjacentone of the right and left lateral portions diagonally to a second end atthe opposite left or right upper edge portion; and a first arm tensorband having a first end extending from one of the first and second cuffsto a second end at the first tensor band.